Getting Around Walt Disney World. Public Transport, Taxis, Car Rental

Disney's Complimentary System

Walt Disney World operates its own comprehensive, complimentary transportation system. This system serves guests staying at Disney Resort hotels and supports general park-to-park travel. It operates separately from Orlando's public transit.

Buses: The most widespread option, connecting all resorts, theme parks, water parks, and Disney Springs. Buses run regularly and cover all areas of the vast resort. Monorail: This iconic system connects Magic Kingdom, the Ticket & Transportation Center (TTC), Contemporary Resort, Polynesian Village Resort, and Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. It offers scenic views and efficient travel.

Water & Air Transport

Friendship Boats: Water taxi services connect Epcot's International Gateway, Hollywood Studios, and Crescent Lake resorts (BoardWalk Inn, Yacht Club, Beach Club, Swan & Dolphin).
Other boat routes connect Magic Kingdom area resorts to Magic Kingdom, and Disney Springs resorts to Disney Springs.
Disney Skyliner: A gondola system connects Epcot (International Gateway), Hollywood Studios, Caribbean Beach Resort, Art of Animation Resort, Pop Century Resort, and Riviera Resort.
Outside WDW (Orlando's Public Transit): Lynx is Orlando's public bus system. Generally not practical for direct park access or intra-resort travel for tourists.

Route Maps & Hubs

Disney's internal transport system is well-signposted. My Disney Experience app shows estimated bus arrival times and navigation. Important hubs include the TTC for Magic Kingdom connections.

Ticketing & Fares

Disney's internal transportation is entirely free for all guests. No tickets or passes are needed. Lynx buses (Orlando's public system) require fares.

Accessibility

All Disney transportation options are accessible for guests using wheelchairs or ECVs. Buses have ramps; monorail, Skyliner, and boats have level-entry access.

Operating Hours & Frequency

Park Operations

Transportation starts 45-60 minutes before park opening.
Services continue for 60-90 minutes after park closing.
Frequency increases during peak times (opening/closing).

Efficiency Tips

Use My Disney Experience App for real-time tracking.
Allow 45-90 minutes for travel between locations during peak times.
Consider walking from some resorts to parks (e.g., Contemporary to Magic Kingdom).

Strategic Navigation

Plan Ahead

Check the My Disney Experience app for current wait times.

Resort Choice

Choose resorts based on preferred park transportation (e.g., Skyliner resorts).

Peak Hour Avoidance

Try to travel during off-peak times to minimize wait for transport.

Flexibility

Be ready to adapt your transport choice based on real-time conditions.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

For direct point-to-point travel or when Disney's free transport is less convenient, taxis and ride-sharing services offer good options.

Licensed Taxis & Fares

Licensed taxis (e.g., Mears Transportation) are yellow with roof lights.
Hail from designated taxi stands at resorts, Disney Springs, park entrances.
Book via phone or Mears Taxi app.
Fares are metered; MCO to WDW costs typically $60-$80.

Ride-Sharing Apps

Uber & Lyft are widely available; download apps before arrival.
Designated pick-up/drop-off locations at parks, resorts, Disney Springs.
Minnie Van Service: Disney's premium ride-sharing via Lyft app; higher cost, car seats available.
Safety: Confirm vehicle and driver identity. Sit in the back seat.

Airport Taxi & Rideshare Arrangements

Taxis and rideshares have dedicated pick-up locations at Orlando International Airport (MCO).
Easy to find a ride upon arrival at transportation hubs.
Fares vary based on demand and distance.

Minnie Vans offer car seats for families.
Minnie Vans are considered safe due to Cast Member drivers.
Book rides directly through the app of choice.

Rental Options

Car Rental

Renters must be at least 21 years old (fees for under 25). Valid driver's license and major credit card needed. DiscoverCars.com offers options. IDP recommended if license not in English.

Major Companies

Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Thrifty operate at MCO and throughout Orlando. Book in advance for best rates and availability.

Motorcycle & Scooter

Scooter/ECV rentals are available at parks (daily fee) or from off-site companies (multi-day, delivery to resorts). Motorcycles are not a common rental option for WDW tourists.

Walking & Cycling

Walking and cycling offer enjoyable ways to explore parts of Walt Disney World, providing different perspectives and sometimes quicker routes.

Pedestrian-Friendly Areas

Within Parks: All theme parks are designed for extensive walking with wide, paved pathways.
Resort Areas: Many Disney resorts feature pleasant walking paths for strolls or jogs.
Walkable Connections: Paths connect Epcot (International Gateway) to Hollywood Studios.
Crescent Lake Resorts (BoardWalk Inn, Yacht Club, Beach Club, Swan & Dolphin) are walkable to Epcot and Hollywood Studios.

Cycling & Safety

Bicycle infrastructure is limited; biking is generally restricted within theme parks.
No-go areas for pedestrians and cyclists: Do not walk or cycle on major roadways like I-4. Stick to designated paths.
Bicycle Rentals: Available at select Disney Resort hotels (e.g., Fort Wilderness, Saratoga Springs) for riding on resort grounds.
Walking Tour Options: Disney offers various paid tours that involve significant walking (e.g., "Keys to the Kingdom Tour").

Safety Tips for Walkers & Cyclists

Stay Hydrated

Carry water, especially in hot weather, even for short walks.

Always have a water bottle.

Comfortable Footwear

Wear broken-in, supportive shoes for extensive walking.

Prioritize walking shoes.

Sun Protection

Apply sunscreen, wear a hat, and sunglasses for outdoor activities.

Protect from Florida sun.

Specialized Transportation

Water Transportation

Friendship Boats: Connect Epcot's International Gateway, Hollywood Studios, and Crescent Lake Resorts.
Magic Kingdom Area Boats: Connect Magic Kingdom to Grand Floridian, Polynesian, and Wilderness Lodge/Fort Wilderness.
Disney Springs Boats: Offer transportation between Disney Springs and nearby resorts.

Unique Local Transport

Disney Skyliner: A gondola system for aerial views and efficient transportation.
Monorail: An iconic elevated train system connecting Magic Kingdom area.
Tour buses and hop-on-hop-off services are not typically used within WDW itself.

Accessibility Services

Walt Disney World is known for its accessibility.
All official Disney transportation methods, including buses, monorail, Skyliner, and boats, are accessible.
They accommodate guests using wheelchairs, ECVs, and other mobility aids.
Consult guest services for specific mobility needs and assistance.

Accessible routes are available throughout parks and resorts.
Additional services like sign language interpretation and assistive listening are available.
Detailed accessibility guides are often found online or at Guest Relations.
The aim is to make the experience enjoyable for all visitors.

Seamless Movement

Walt Disney World's transportation network is designed for seamless guest movement.

Consider your preferred transport method when choosing your resort. Monorail or Skyliner access significantly reduces travel time to certain parks.

Getting Around Walt Disney World